Pemako Thimphu

Pemako Thimphu stands in the heart of Bhutan's capital, within easy reach of the town's main sights. It belongs to Pemako Hotels, which describes itself as Bhutan's first locally owned and operated hotel group and is owned by Wangchuk Dorji, a co-owner of the Tashi Group; the hotel was recently rebranded and was earlier known as Taj Tashi. The building's front recalls a dzong, the fortress-monasteries of Bhutan, and the interiors combine traditional Bhutanese architecture with contemporary comfort. There are 66 rooms and suites, many with wide views of the hills around the valley. Ara is the bar, serving local and international cocktails, Chig Ja Gye focuses on Bhutanese cooking, and The Thongsel is the fine-dining restaurant, looking out on fountains and prayer wheels, with Rimps and a tea lounge besides. The Lotus Realm Spa bases its treatments on Sowa Rigpa, the traditional medicine of Bhutan. Paro International Airport is about 50 kilometres away, roughly an hour and twenty minutes by road, and the hotel can arrange private transfers. The group plans a full renovation of the rooms and public spaces, due to be completed by the end of 2027.